Previous | Next

Contents of Hookworms

Hookworms

Adult size

5 to 20 mm long
0.2 to 0.6 mm wide

Adult worm attaches to small intestine

Feed on blood
Release anticoagulant at site of attachment

Photo of hookworm under a microscope

Hookworm, by sc0ttbeardsley

Lecture Notes

The hookworm attaches to the lining of the intestinal wall and feeds on the host's blood. The worm also releases an anticoagulant at the site of attachment to increase blood flow.